Bagets the Musical Revives Iconic ’80s Film with Contemporary Themes

The iconic 1980s film "Bagets" will be reimagined in a stage musical debuting on January 23, 2026, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, offering audiences a fresh take on the coming-of-age tale. Centered on five boys—Adie, Arnel, Gilbert, Tonton, and Topee—the play promises to explore their friendship and individual journeys from a contemporary perspective.

Notable cast members include Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, KD Estrada and Ethan David as affluent Arnel, Milo Cruz and Migo Valid portraying the daring Tonton, Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf in the role of Topee, and Mico Hendrix Chua alongside Andres Muhlach as the charming Adie.

What distinguishes this adaptation is its enhanced focus on the relationships between the boys and their mothers. Actress Carla Guevara-Laforteza, who plays Virgie, Adie’s quintessential "80s working mother," explained, "While the original film concentrated on the boys, this version delves into the dynamics between the sons and their mothers. Our goal is for both mothers and children in the audience to grasp why each acts the way they do."

Carla highlighted the play’s exploration of misunderstandings within family relationships, saying, "The audience will witness the complexities of miscommunication, gaining insight into both sides—why the mother might get upset and why the child might not understand her instructions."

Other actresses portraying maternal figures include Neomi Gonzales as Anna, Topee’s driven single mother; Ring Antonio as Luz, Gilbert’s hardworking mom; Mayen Bustamante-Cadd as Ditas, Arnel’s affluent mother; and Kakai Bautista and Natasha Cabrera sharing the role of Delia, Tonton’s loving yet nagging mom.

Playwright J-mee Katanyag and director Maribel Legarda emphasize the importance of updating the story to resonate with today’s audiences amid evolving social and cultural contexts. J-mee noted the inclusion of a female perspective alongside the original male narrative, aiming to address universal themes of growth and identity across generations.

Director Maribel expressed a vision of blending humor and heartfelt storytelling, stating, "I believe a play should entertain and engage without overwhelming the audience. We want them to enjoy, laugh, and connect emotionally while reflecting on the themes presented."

This updated rendition incorporates additional scenes that highlight the mothers’ roles, reflecting on contemporary values and political correctness. Maribel added, "Our challenge is to balance the cherished elements of the past with necessary adjustments for the present."

"Bagets the Musical" is a collaborative production by Newport World Resorts, VIVA Communications, and others. Tickets are now available through the Newport World Resorts box office, Ticketworld, and Ticket2Me, with prices ranging from P1,000 to P4,000 across various seating options.

For inquiries, patrons may contact 7908-8888.